Leo Varadkar boasting about interfering in planning process

Kermit.de.frog

Varadkar's mouth will get him in to trouble. In politics you have to be careful what you say. It's no good saying your up front with people. It doesn't work that way.

To bring it up the way he did was very foolish and inexperienced.

FrancieBrady

FrancieBrady wrote: »

This is the guy who has completely flip flopped on inviting him here too.

And all the while he was taking friendly phone calls and at the very least doing favours for Trump that he had no right to.

Look he's a politician and that's what they do. Enda is on dail record calling Trumps campain trail remarks dangerous and racist, but then said well it was just the heat of the moment, can't expect Leo to be any different.

FrancieBrady

trixiebust wrote: »

Leo the lion spoke to Time magazine about this before...

http://time.com/4856193/ireland-leo-varadkar-interview-brexit-trump/

A question immediately leaps out of that:Did the 'principals' who 'sorted it out' include the principals of the wind farm. I very much doubt it, don't you?

Strazdas

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Don't you find the word 'anyway' interesting there?

An Irish Taoiseach chuffed that Trump thinks he got planning for something he didn't want, refused (an illegal abuse of power) and you think that is ok?

The whole thing was clearly intended to be a humorous anecdote (which may have backfired somewhat).

If Varadkar had genuinely interfered in the planning process on Trump's behalf, I doubt he would be stupid enough to be cracking jokes about it or even discussing it in public (and it would be a major scandal brewing tonight, not a minor storm in a teacup).

FrancieBrady

Strazdas wrote: »

The whole thing was clearly intended to be a humorous anecdote (which may have backfired somewhat).

If Varadkar had genuinely interfered in the planning process on Trump's behalf, I doubt he would be stupid enough to be cracking jokes about it or even discussing it in public (and it would be a major scandal brewing tonight, not a minor storm in a teacup).

Long before the Donald even ran for president I was following this story. Trump doesn't make polite calls looking to see how things are going.

Watch it if you have time. It is slow and overlong but engrossing too.

https://vimeo.com/199200221

McMurphy

Strazdas wrote: »

The whole thing was clearly intended to be a humorous anecdote (which may have backfired somewhat).

If Varadkar had genuinely interfered in the planning process on Trump's behalf, I doubt he would be stupid enough to be cracking jokes about it or even discussing it in public (and it would be a major scandal brewing tonight, not a minor storm in a teacup).

It's the main headline on rte, the indo, the independent, the Irish Times and the examiner.

It's prob the main story on the journal too, though I haven't even looked there.

Some storm in a teacup.

ChikiChiki

Ridiculously naive comment by Varadker. Showing his true FG spirit after all!

Thats what FG essentially are. Big business lobbyists.

trixiebust

Strazdas wrote: »

The whole thing was clearly intended to be a humorous anecdote (which may have backfired somewhat).

If Varadkar had genuinely interfered in the planning process on Trump's behalf, I doubt he would be stupid enough to be cracking jokes about it or even discussing it in public (and it would be a major scandal brewing tonight, not a minor storm in a teacup).

I think you're giving him too much credit there. I'd have more intelligence if you put me through years of medical school. An anointed leader - these things never end up well...

ChikiChiki

kenmc wrote: »

just me or has it suddenly gone a bit quiet?
maybe Leo has logged off after all

Leos 5 million euro a year strategic comms unit sent packing with its tail between its legs. I'm sure they'll be back!

FrancieBrady

ChikiChiki wrote: »

Leos 5 million euro a year strategic comms unit sent packing with its tail between its legs. I'm sure they'll be back!

It's clearly an 8 hour day and log off. 5 million doesn't get you much these days.

Bob_Marley

Things are starting to heat up for the Don's self confessed "Greenkeeper"

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/extraordinary-varadkar-under-fire-after-revealing-details-of-intervention-over-doonbeg-wind-farm-proposal-36709388.html

Mr Varadkar’s comments landed him firmly in the firing line of Opposition parties back home, who called for a detailed explanation of his actions.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan described it as a “shocking admission” that “harks back to the very dark days in the Irish planning system”.

He said there was “no doubt” the Taoiseach “exercised undue influence and undermined due process with his intervention”.

“It is a shocking error of judgement. Clare County Council now need to outline who the Minister contacted and whether there is a record of what was said,” he said.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Barry Cowen, called on the Fine Gael leader to clarify the details of the intervention.

"I was amazed to hear today that the Taoiseach made representations on behalf of Mr Donald Trump on a planning matter about wind turbines. What is even more bewildering is that it is only coming to light now when he is actually visiting him in the White House," he said.

“Mr Varadkar needs to give a full account of this issue without delay.”

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin described the Taoiseach’s statement as “extraordinary”.

Looks like the other big investors that lost out might be taking a case . . .

In a statement, Michael Clohessy, director of Clare Coastal Wind Power ltd - who submitted the proposal for the plan - said the company are "disappointed" at the statement made by the Taoiseach today.

"We are disappointed at the admission by an Taoiseach that he interfered in the planning process regarding the planning application for our proposed wind farm in west Clare," he said.

"We at all times acted with integrity and in good faith but it now appears that we were not on a level playing field. We will be reviewing this situation over the coming days"

Sam Quentin

Storm in a T cup(obviously not for some)
Any minister is entitled to query show interest in any major plan/development application by any person or persons!?
NOTHING TO SEE HERE......

smurgen

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Storm in a T cup(obviously not for some)
Any minister is entitled to query show interest in any major plan/development application by any person or persons!?
NOTHING TO SEE HERE......

Typying it in large caps does not make it so.leo will have questions to answer long after his donald hangover has passed.

Minderbinder

Amazing the naivety as to how things actually get done, and what is needed to attract big companies to come to this country to provide the jobs we can’t produce for ourselves.

I’d be a lot more worried if Leo did nothing and didn’t make a few calls. It shows he’s maybe prepared to do some of the dirty work needed to attract foreign investment.

Ajsoprano

Minderbinder wrote: »

Amazing the naivety as to how things actually get done, and what is needed to attract big companies to come to this country to provide the jobs we can’t produce for ourselves.

I’d be a lot more worried if Leo did nothing and didn’t make a few calls. It shows he’s maybe prepared to do some of the dirty work needed to attract foreign investment.

There was a big wind farm coming. He got rid of them for a golf course. The golf course probably would have happened anyway

The Bishop Basher

Sam Quentin wrote: »

NOTHING TO SEE HERE......

Indeed

Nothing to see in the planning files anyway regarding Leo’s “intervention”.

So either he’s lying or he didn’t follow due process.

Eitherway this is no storm in a tea cup.

McMurphy

Ajsoprano wrote: »

There was a big wind farm coming. He got rid of them for a golf course. The golf course probably would have happened anyway

The Golf Course was already there.

Donald didn't want the wind farm 4 miles away from it, and Leo picked up the phone and endeavoured that Donalds wishes came true.

Fann Linn

FG never fail to disappoint when out in front on the world's stage.

The last time it was Kenny getting boxed around in Davos by Sarkozy. Now we have Leo making a fool of himself in the US.

McMurphy

Fann Linn wrote: »

FG never fail to disappoint when out in front on the world's stage.

The last time it was Kenny getting boxed around in Davos by Sarkozy. Now we have Leo making a fool of himself in the US.

Suck ass attitudes when abroad - fcuk you attitudes when at home.

smurgen

Ajsoprano wrote: »

Minderbinder wrote: »

Amazing the naivety as to how things actually get done, and what is needed to attract big companies to come to this country to provide the jobs we can’t produce for ourselves.

I’d be a lot more worried if Leo did nothing and didn’t make a few calls. It shows he’s maybe prepared to do some of the dirty work needed to attract foreign investment.

There was a big wind farm coming. He got rid of them for a golf course. The golf course probably would have happened anyway

That's why i don't understand.people are acting like the golf course would have been stopped.as if trump would have pulled out! When Donald threw a hissy fit and told Leo to jump,Leo asked how high.It's embarrasaing how flaky our politicians are and how quick they are to abandon any principles they have.

testicles

This post has been deleted.

FrancieBrady

It's an 'all the main papers headlines' type of storm in a teacup story.

facehugger99

Doubt he did anything more than phone up and enquire about the development. The fact it was refused permission allows him to claim some sort of credit to ingratiate himself with Trump.

Pretty stupid to be bragging about it in front of the media though. His ego seems to get the better of his intelligence on too many occasions for my comfort.

Funnily enough he probably won't cop too much heat from the opposition, I'd wager than the vast majority of them have done something similar on behalf of a constituent.

Phoebas

Every politician who has ever lived has made planning representations.

Leo's sin is his bragging about it.

smurgen

Phoebas wrote: »

Every politician who has ever lived has made planning representations.

Leo's sin is his bragging about it.

Not really.it dependss on if he done it through proper or improper channels.

jim salter

Verruca is an absolute elitist cúnt and should be put down

Fann Linn

facehugger99 wrote: »

Doubt he did anything more than phone up and enquire about the development. The fact it was refused permission allows him to claim some sort of credit to ingratiate himself with Trump.

Pretty stupid to be bragging about it in front of the media though. His ego seems to get the better of his intelligence on too many occasions for my comfort.

Funnily enough he probably won't cop too much heat from the opposition, I'd wager than the vast majority of them have done something similar on behalf of a constituent.

Interesting points made this morning on one of the radio stations:

1 'If he wanted to enquire about the status he could have checked online and no need to ring Clare CoCo as pp are open to public viewing'

2 'Trump had a full team of planning consultants available so they could have made enquiries'.

Wanderer78

jim salter wrote:

Verruca is an absolute elitist cúnt and should be put down

Ah that's a bit strong, I don't like the chap myself but....

voz es

That very call was interference. FG would probably have been the party I have got the majority of my votes... but if this is the case a Varadkar FG is not an FG i will be voting for.

Phoebas

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Ah that's a bit strong, I don't like the chap myself but....

Welcome to the internet.. where otherwise normal people lose the run of themselves.

ChikiChiki

Phoebas wrote: »

Every politician who has ever lived has made planning representations.

Leo's sin is his bragging about it.

And that makes it alright....

FrancieBrady

Phoebas wrote: »

Every politician who has ever lived has made planning representations.

Leo's sin is his bragging about it.

Nice effort to dilute.

This is exactly the kind of shenannagins FG said they would change. Anyone remember the 'New Politics' bluff?

Minderbinder

voz es wrote: »

That very call was interference. FG would probably have been the party I have got the majority of my votes... but if this is the case a Varadkar FG is not an FG i will be voting for.

So what do you think politicians do exactly? And if they don’t lobby for stuff or use the influence you have given them, what’s the point?

Wanderer78

FrancieBrady wrote:

This is exactly the kind of shenannagins FG said they would change. Anyone remember the 'New Politics' bluff?

'New politics', sounds good, looks good, feels good, even smells good, almost like an old pair of socks!

Phoebas

ChikiChiki wrote: »

And that makes it alright....

Making planning enquiries is alright. (What Leo said he did).
Making planning representations is alright if they are done in the proper way (we don't know if Leo made a representation at all, but I'm sure that'll come out in the wash).
Telling folksy tales about it is probably a bit niave.

Wheeliebin30

The same people whinging are the people who keep telling us politicians need to change the planning rules to build more houses for the homeless??????

Wanderer78

Wheeliebin30 wrote:

The same people whinging are the people who keep telling us politicians need to change the planning rules to build more houses for the homeless??????

Have we conducted a survey of all these people?

Phoebas

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Anyone remember the 'New Politics' bluff?

You were fooled by that 'new politics' shtick?

The Bishop Basher

Phoebas wrote: »

Making planning enquiries is alright. (What Leo said he did).

That's not exactly what he said he did though..

Having received a call directly from Trump himself he..

"So, I endeavoured to do what I could do about it and I rang the county council and inquired about the planning permission and subsequently the planning permission was declined and the wind farm was never built, thus the landscape being preserved," Mr Varadkar said.

FrancieBrady

Phoebas wrote: »

You were fooled by that 'new politics' shtick?

The 'Pat Rabbitte' clause has been invoked. Leo must be deep in the doo da.

'Sure you say these things at election Time…'

Phoebas

Swanner wrote: »

That's not exactly what he said he did though..

Having received a call directly from Trump himself he..

"So, I]endeavoured to do what I could do about it and I rang the county council and inquired about the planning permission and subsequently the planning permission was declined and the wind farm was never built, thus the landscape being preserved," Mr Varadkar said.

Exactly. The sum total of what he said he actually did was 'inquire' about it.

Phoebas

FrancieBrady wrote: »

The 'Pat Rabbitte' clause has been invoked. Leo must be deep in the doo da.

'Sure you say these things at election Time…'

People use this ' new politics' phrase to mean whatever they want it to mean.

But there was a actial policy document produced by FG on new politics and it has no reference whatsoever to limiting ministers making planning enquiries.

Like the 'Pat Rabitte' clause, it is widely misused.

The Bishop Basher

Phoebas wrote: »

Exactly. The sum total of what he said he actually did was 'inquire' about it.

If that were true, why didn't he just check the planning status online like the rest of us ?

kenmc

What Dr dolittle has just done, in front of the world media, is announce that if you are very rich, and don't like Ireland's planning laws and due process, then it's fine to phone up a minister and they'll endeavour to help your problem go away.

And people really don't have a problem with that? Seriously?

nice_guy80

I just popped off an email to my local TD for him to enquire about my planning permission for a house

He might make a phone call to see what its status is.
I don't see the issue

suicide_circus

What kick back or brown envelope did Leo receive?

kenmc

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I just popped off an email to my local TD for him to enquire about my planning permission for a house

He might make a phone call to see what its status is.
I don't see the issue

No no no, you've not being paying attention. It's not your local td, and it's not an email.

Needs to be a minister from a different constituency, and a phone call so as not to leave a record.

Phoebas

Swanner wrote: »

If that were true, why didn't he just check the planning status online like the rest of us ?

When you're a minister, you get to have someone else do all the reading and provide you with the tl;dr

The Bishop Basher

kenmc wrote: »

What Dr dolittle has just done, in front of the world media, is announce that if you are very rich, and don't like Ireland's planning laws and due process, then it's fine to phone up a minister and they'll endeavour to help your problem go away.

He threw a whole lot of ego in there too. It was basically the whole point of his story.

I only recently said to someone that as much as i despise FG, at least Varadker isn't an embarrassment on the world stage like Kenny was..

I wholeheartedly take that statement back.

The kowtowing by Varadker yesterday was butt clenchingly cringeworthy and the fact that he's bowing to an utter moron like Trump just makes it 100 times worse.

Fann Linn

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I just popped off an email to my local TD for him to enquire about my planning permission for a house

He might make a phone call to see what its status is.
I don't see the issue

The problem with you Mr.Nice Guy is that you're not a wealthy hotelier ringing the then Minister for Tourism.